Bonnie Saul Wilks

‘… as the dew…’

After Passover, prayer for rain ceases for a time in Israel. A downpour of precipitation would ruin drying harvests during this season. Water is still essential to nourishing the land, so Jewish people begin to pray for dew. When the High Holy Days are finished in mid-autumn, they resume prayers for rain.

The mystery of dew captivated me as a child. I remember soaking my stocking feet as I walked through the dewy grass once or twice in the early morning. And I recall learning about dew in grade school–all the scientific explanations about condensation, dew point, earth radiation, atmospheric humidity, etc.

Although it is a scientific phenomenon, I still think of dew as a mystery just like I did as a child. Each morning it appears magically to replenish the earth. It’s droplets are gentle and refreshing yet potent. It is almost like manna of old. When the Israelites wandered through the desert searching for the land of promise, the thin wafers–manna from heaven–that tasted like honey and coriander appeared outside, mysteriously and miraculously. Manna served as daily bread, even sustenance. This food portion came to God’s ancient people automatically–whether they were hungry or not; whether they were good or bad or prayed up or prayerless. Manna fell and fed those who left Egypt for a better life.

I like what one Jewish writer said about the difference between dew and rain comparing them to our physical systems. Dew is like breathing or like the constant beating of our hearts. The continual rhythm of pumping blood or rise and fall of ingested air when you are born happens even if you don’t want it to. It is God’s gift to you. But you never want to take it for granted. You ask God to keep your lungs and heart going, so you can live a long and healthy life.

Rain is like our digestive systems–conditions must be right for them to work properly. Proper nutrition must be ingested along with balanced fiber, water, etc. to get and keep the process going. And sometimes it takes an act of God to make it work right from beginning to end. I like the humor in this and the sparkle of truth.

So today I join the Jewish people of Israel in praying for dew–although it is automatic and scientifically built into the ecosystem–it is still a small mysterious miracle that keeps life going here on earth. It is a small yet wondrous gift from a loving God, and I am grateful for it. And as I pray, I remember a scripture from Hosea as well:

“I will be to Israel like a refreshing dew from heaven. Israel will blossom like the lily; it will send roots deep into the soil like the cedars in Lebanon” [Hosea 14:5].

He will come to His ancient people like the dew… without fail… miraculously… mysteriously… whether they deserve it or not.

Thank you, Bonnie. I was praying for Israel this morning and went to your blog to search for a fresh word to pray over her. I found it…the precious promise from Hosea was beautiful. What a joy to proclaim the refreshing dew of His Presence over her.
I enjoyed the article on the dew as well as your article on rain on July 4. Listened to and sang the prayer for revival rain on our land. Thanks….your blog always inspires and nourishes my soul and spirit.

Thank you Bonnie. I searched your blog today to find a fresh word to pray over Israel…found it in the precious promise in Hosea. How beautiful….really enjoyed your article on dew as well as the one on rain on July 4. Your blog always nourishes my soul and spirit.

"The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day." (Proverbs 4:8 NIV)

About this Blog

I have been blogging here since 2007. Not everyday, but certainly every day that I just felt like my heart would burst if I didn't write. Over the years, I have had a few facelifts and makeovers here on the structure of this happy spot that I call my blog home; but the heart and core of my writing has remained the same. You will find a plethora of subjects from art to politics, devotionals to poetry.

Currently, "Ever-Increasing Light" is highlighting Jewish sabbaths, feasts, and themes in devotional form. Having worked with Jewish people around the world and with Holocaust survivors, I relish sharing biblical foundations about Jewish culture, traditions, and human interest stories.

“Sabbath: A Gift of Time”

The most common question I am asked about Jewish traditions is the Sabbath. "Sabbath: A Gift of Time" is a primer that I have written for those who are interested in a simple history, biblical explanation, and overview of the gift of rest offered through Sabbath observance. There is included a Sabbath liturgy guide for Friday evening meal and Sabbath recipes, including the special braided bread "challah." Available on Amazon and everywhere.

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